The MusicNerd Q&A With Todd Kerns

Todd Kerns is no stranger to Canadian rock fans. In the 90’s, Kerns fronted Age of Electric before moving onto Static In Stereo and then ultimately, a solo career.

Kerns has busied himself over the last three years playing all over the world as a part of Slash’s band. So naturally between that and his very rock n roll past otherwise, fans should expect more of the same with the release of his excellent new album Borrowing Trouble, right? Wrong.

While there are elements of rock to the tracks featured on his new album, it is an otherwise acoustic affair that showcases Kerns immeasurable (and often underrated) talents.

Kerns spoke with Here Magazine last week about defying expectations of what Borrowing Trouble would ultimately become as well as the inspiration behind bringing the album to life.

Why the decision to make an acoustic-based record as opposed to making a full-fledged rock n roll album?

I think a part of it was that making a rock album would have been the more natural thing for me to do. It feels more punk-like to do this acoustic record instead of doing what people are expecting. To assume that I thought it through to that level is giving me too much credit though [laughs]. Sooner than later, there will be a rock album. It just felt like it was the right time to do this style of record.

Tell me a bit about how your friend Greg Verdusco influenced Borrowing Trouble to finally come to life.

Greg was a musician friend of mine who, like me, was a transplant that ended up in Las Vegas. We had the same taste in music and always hung out. Greg got sick and within three months he was gone. My perspective on life totally changed after that. We spend so much of our lives just talking about things we want to do. I had spent a long time talking about doing this record; Greg really drove home the importance of finally getting it done and released.

You’ve been making records for the past two decades, what are your thoughts on where the business is at?

Things are definitely much different today but not in as many ways as people might believe. You’ve always had to look for good music. It’s not as though you’d be likely to hear Raw Poweron the radio. All you can hope for is that the cream rises to the top.